NUSAJAYA, Nov 18 — Johor has maintained its position as the top investment destination in the country after recording the highest industrial investments at RM8.8 billion, as of August.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (picture) said the amount was far higher than the investments received in other states, including Sarawak at RM5.6 billion, Selangor (RM3.49 billion) and Penang (RM1 billion).

“The economic indicators issued by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) clearly prove domestic and foreign investors have strong confidence in the strength of the state’s economy,” he said.

Mohamed Khaled, who is Permas state assemblyman, was speaking at the winding-up of the debate on the 2014 Johor Budget at the State Legislative Assembly here today.

He believed Johor’s success was not only due to the attractive investment promotion packages but also on other aspects such as its strategic location in the trade route, diversity of economic resources, trained manpower and excellent infrastructure.

Meanwhile, he said the state government would be more selective in accepting investments to raise the quality of employment opportunities, as well as income level for the people.

Mohamed Khaled said in this regard, the main investment criteria outlined included investment with high value to add to the diversity of the state economy.

“The diversity of economic resources in the state will avoid dependence on certain areas, such as manufacturing and properties. This is to ensure the state’s economy stays competitive when crisis hits a certain sector,” he added. — Bernama